Local Food Trucks Hit a Bump

A couple of local food trucks hit a bump late last week, one trucker tells Chow Bella.

Two popular vendors -- creme-brulee-wielding Torched Goodness and barbecue connoisseurs Pork on a Fork -- were approached by an enforcement official Friday for violating city code near Scottsdale Industrial Airpark, 15770 N. Greenway Hayden Loop.

At the time, the vendors weren't given a reason why they were in violation, says Chef Eric Ireland of Torched Goodness. They say they were told they could finish out the day, but if they were to return to the area they would face a fine, and were then given a phone number if they wanted more information.

More details after the jump.

Ireland later found out that he and Pork on a Fork were set up in front of a furniture store in an area that is zoned for industrial businesses only, he says. According to the city, vendors are able to set up in front of a commercially-zoned business as long as they have the business' permission, and are technically there to sell to the business and its employees.

"I can put a blast on Facebook about my location but it is all in the way you phrase it," Ireland says. "I can simply post where I am going to be, and then thank the business for letting me be there."

A particular challege to food trucks in the Valley: The rules change when you cross city boundaries.

"Everybody we've talked to [with the various municipalities] has been very supportive of what we're trying to do," Ireland said. "Unfortunately, these city ordinances have been around for decades. To change them means getting the public involved."

Stay tuned. We've got more coverage of the food truck controversy down the road.